WHO Global Health has opened applications for its Global Health Fellowship Programme, offering health professionals, researchers, and scientists the opportunity to strengthen their technical expertise through internationally recognized training and capacity-building programmes. The fellowship aims to develop future leaders in public health while helping countries strengthen their healthcare systems and improve health outcomes.
The WHO Fellowship Programme supports both short-term and long-term training, including undergraduate, postgraduate, professional development, distance learning, and specialized technical programmes. Fellows gain valuable international exposure while contributing to the advancement of healthcare in their home countries.
About the WHO Global Health Fellowship Programme
The WHO Fellowship Programme is designed to build the capacity of health professionals by providing access to specialized education and technical training that may not be available in their home countries.
The programme supports the development of a skilled health workforce capable of addressing national and global health priorities while promoting collaboration between countries, universities, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.
Training may be conducted internationally or through approved distance-learning programmes where appropriate facilities are available.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen technical and professional capacity in the health sector.
- Develop future leaders in public health and healthcare management.
- Improve national health systems through specialized training.
- Promote international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Enhance medical, scientific, and public health education.
- Support countries in addressing critical health workforce gaps.
- Encourage cooperation among health professionals and research institutions.
Fellowship Opportunities
WHO fellowships may include:
- Short-term professional training
- Long-term technical training
- Undergraduate programmes
- Postgraduate programmes
- Specialized public health training
- Distance learning programmes
- Technical capacity-building initiatives
- Study tours
- International research and knowledge exchange programmes
Training opportunities vary depending on the country’s priorities and WHO programme needs.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants generally include:
- Public health professionals
- Medical practitioners
- Healthcare workers
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Health programme managers
- Government health officials
- Technical specialists in health-related fields
Applicants are typically nominated through their national health administrations.
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are generally expected to:
- Be nominated by their national health administration or relevant health authority.
- Be in good health.
- Possess qualifications relevant to the proposed fellowship.
- Demonstrate the ability to contribute to national health priorities.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected training institution.
- Commit to applying the acquired knowledge upon returning to their home country.
For study tours, candidates are generally expected to be health workers or scientists, and applicants are typically not over 55 years of age.
Four Stages of the Fellowship Programme
The WHO Fellowship Programme follows four key stages:
1. Planning
WHO works with Member States and national health authorities to identify priority training needs aligned with national health plans.
2. Selection
Fellowship opportunities lasting three months or longer are advertised, and eligible candidates submit online applications for review and selection.
3. Implementation
Selected fellows undertake their approved training programme while receiving the appropriate fellowship support. Fellows are expected to submit academic and progress reports throughout the programme.
4. Follow-Up
Upon completion, fellows submit a final report and are expected to contribute their newly acquired expertise to strengthen health services within their home countries.
Study Tours
WHO also offers study tours, allowing groups of health professionals and scientists to visit institutions in other countries to learn about innovative health practices, healthcare systems, and technical approaches.
Study tours help participants:
- Exchange professional knowledge.
- Build international partnerships.
- Observe best practices.
- Develop practical solutions for healthcare challenges.
- Strengthen regional collaboration.
Host Institutions
WHO collaborates with leading universities and training institutions across the Western Pacific Region and other participating countries. Recent host institutions have included:
- Fiji National University
- University of Fiji
- Sapporo Medical University (Japan)
- Massey University (New Zealand)
- University of Otago (New Zealand)
- University of Papua New Guinea
- National University of Samoa
- Pacific Islands Orthopedic Association (PIOA)
WHO also considers other recognized institutions that meet its quality standards.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Depending on the fellowship, participants may receive:
- International technical training
- Specialized public health education
- Professional mentoring
- Global networking opportunities
- International knowledge exchange
- Capacity-building support
- Exposure to leading healthcare institutions
- Practical skills development
- Leadership development opportunities
Specific funding and financial support vary depending on the fellowship and programme.
Why Apply?
The WHO Fellowship Programme provides an opportunity to develop advanced public health expertise while contributing to stronger healthcare systems worldwide. Fellows gain internationally recognized training, strengthen professional networks, and acquire practical skills that can improve health outcomes in their countries.
The programme also promotes collaboration among governments, universities, healthcare institutions, and international organizations to advance global public health.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Monitor WHO fellowship announcements for available opportunities.
- Confirm eligibility with their national health administration or relevant government authority.
- Complete the online fellowship application when applications are announced.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
- Await nomination, evaluation, and final selection by WHO.
Applications for fellowships lasting three months or longer are typically advertised online, while additional opportunities may become available throughout the year.
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